Preparing for College

A-G Subject Requirements for UC/CSU  “a” History/Social Sciences: 2 years required  “b” English: 4 years required  “c” Mathematics: 3 years required  “d” Laboratory Science: 2 years required  “e” Language Other Than English: 2 years required  “f” Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year required  “g” College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year required  Students need to earn a grade of C or better in the required a-g courses.

Eligibility vs. Selection  Eligibility= Students complete minimum a-g course work with grades of C or better  Selection=Choosing students for admission when a campus cannot admit all eligible applicants  Meeting the minimum requirements is not enough to gain admission to many campuses and programs.  The level of competition for admission to certain colleges is very high. Students should apply to more than one college.  Research colleges and find colleges that are right for you!

Grades and College GPA  The most important factor in college admission is the student’s academic record (transcript). The program of study, specific courses, and the grades the student received are aspects that the admission officers consider in evaluating a student for selection.  A student’s GPA is compared to other students in their high school (class rank)  Only grades earned in a-g courses are calculated in the college GPA.  UC/CSU calculate a-g courses in grades 10 and 11.  An extra point is added to a student’s GPA for each weighted course. For example an A in chemistry=4 pts and an A in Chemistry HP=5 points.

Advanced Curriculum  *indicates courses with weighted grades  English: English 1 HP, English 2 HP, AP English Language Comp*, AP English Literature*  Mathematics: Pl Sol Geometry HP, Algebra 2/Trig HP, Pre-Calculus HP*, AP Calculus AB*  Science: Biology HP, Chemistry HP*, Physics HP*, AP Biology*, AP Physics*, AP Chemistry*  Social Science: World History HP, AP European History*, AP U.S. History*, AP American Govt*, Economics HP, AP Psychology*  World Language: AP Spanish Language*, AP Spanish Literature*, AP French Language*

Advanced Placement and the cost of College  Students who earn a 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam earn college credit for the course.  Students who take longer to graduate from a public college or university typically pay between $8,000 and $19,000 for each additional year.  “I took AP throughout high school because it was the most interesting and well-taught program offered. When I reached college, I realized that I had accumulated a year’s worth of credits. I graduated from Michigan’s undergraduate business program a full year early, saving $30,000 and a year’s time.”  - Nikki Baker, student, University of Michigan

Freshman Year- Things to Do □Develop a 4 year plan, take college prep courses (a-g) □Get involved in school activities, clubs and sports □Check grades weekly on Zangle □Decide what grades to earn in each of your classes □Complete the Personality Type Survey in Naviance □Ask for help – talk to your teacher or counselor to sign up for tutoring □Complete two hours of homework each night □Turn in homework and projects on time

Sophomore Year – Things to Do  Take advanced course work – Honors and/or Advanced Placement  Decide what grades to earn in each of your classes  Take the PSAT and attend Score Review Night  College and career exploration on Naviance  Sign up to meet with college recruiters on campus  Attend college fairs  Take AP exams and earn college credit  Get a summer job or take extra courses for advancement

Junior Year – Things to Do  Take advanced course work - Honors or Advanced Placement  Decide what grades to earn in each of your classes  Attend college fairs  Take the PSAT and enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition  Attend PSAT Score Review Night  Prepare for the SAT or ACT and test in March, April, May or June  Visit college campuses and narrow your college search  Sign up to meet with college recruiters on campus  Take AP exams and earn college credit

Senior Year – Things to Do  Take advanced course work – Honors or Advanced Placement  Take September ACT or October SAT  Meet with your counselor to discuss college applications and letters of recommendation  Attend UC/CSU college application workshops  Complete college applications online before deadlines  Research scholarships in the counseling office and Naviance  Attend Financial Aid workshops (FAFSA)  Submit FAFSA and Cal Grant verification form by March 2 deadline  Take AP exams and earn college credit